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Science and Nonduality (SAND)Science and Nonduality provides a forum where preeminent scientists, philosophers, teachers, artists and a large, international community gather to explore and advance the new paradigm emerging in spirituality, that is both grounded in cutting-edge science and consistent with the ancient wisdom of nonduality — the deep understanding of the interconnectedness of life.

Ultimately, SAND is a playground where we come together to explore and share insights or simply reflect on what is emerging in consciousness. Knowing defines life, not-knowing reminds us of the mystery and perfection of each and every moment. At SAND, we invite you to stop resisting what is happening right now and surrender to the not-knowingness. Let life and this amazing mystery unfold!

On these pages you will encounter a playful, intellectual, and yet heart-centered community. It is a platform where we explore big questions with curiosity and lightness. Where we share our insights with openness and meet one another beyond concepts, in the silence of this moment.

Your presence here on our SAND platform is an honor and a joy for us. We hope you will find something in our offerings that will inspire you.

ACISTE provides education and certificate training for mental health professionals, pastoral counselors, spiritual directors, life coaches and other professionals who wish to increase their competency and develop their expertise in working with clients who may bring psychological, spiritual or mental health challenges related to their spiritually transformative experiences (STEs). STEs may include, but are not limited to, near-death or similar experiences, spiritual emergencies,out-of-body, kundalini, after-death communications and anomalous, paranormal or exceptional human experiences, etc. The conference brings together top researchers, experiencers and practicing professionals to present their expertise and insight into in this growing field of specialization and awareness.

PsiberDreaming 2014
Dreams can tell us much about ourselves. But some dreams may take us beyond the familiar boundaries of ourselves. Have you ever had a dream that seems to be from, or for, or as, or with someone else? Another person? Another species, animal or alien? A different culture or distant world? Some other dimension? The “other side”?

Join IASD in an exploration of Dreaming With the Other in the 2014 PsiberDreaming Conference: two-weeks of online papers, workshops, presentations and discussion from Sunday, September 28 to Sunday, October 12, 2014. Expand Your Boundaries!

Beyond the Big Bang:
Searching for Meaning in Contemporary Physics
Perhaps more than any other scientific discipline, modern physics has revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos by tackling a number of age-old existential questions: How did the universe begin? How can something emerge from nothing? What is the fabric of reality? Why do the laws of physics seem to be uniquely suited for life on Earth? Do we live in a deterministic universe? For all its successes, physics has also uncovered new mysteries, from dark energy and dark matter to the perplexing properties of quantum mechanics and the possibility of multiple universes. While new discoveries have pushed us to the frontiers of science, they have also raised fundamental questions regarding what physics can ultimately reveal about the nature of our reality.

The great revolutions that shook 20th century physics transformed familiar ideas such as space and time, opening new pathways for understanding and interacting with the world around us. Today, however, we are left to wonder how to relate to dark matter, black holes, or the multiverse—concepts that appear to be wholly disconnected from us. Has modern physics lost touch with our basic intellectual and existential concerns? Can physics help us to understand what it means to be human, or are we merely insignificant specks in the cosmos? What, in other words, is the human significance of contemporary physics?

Moderated by Steve Paulson, journalist and Executive Producer of Wisconsin Public Radio’s To the Best of Our Knowledge, this intriguing three-part series brings together a wide array of leading physicists, philosophers, historians, and writers to explore the multiple scientific and philosophical dimensions suggested by modern physics, with an emphasis on understanding how recent scientific advances impact our enduring search for meaning. In doing so, the series will analyze and reflect upon the wider implications of these discoveries in a manner that seeks to render them more accessible to our daily lives.

Great mysteries still surround the origins and existence of the universe. Experts from the fields of cosmology, astrophysics, and philosophy unite to discuss the most basic existential question of all: Why are we here? Learn More

A "theory of everything" has thus far eluded physicists seeking to unify the laws of the universe. Physicists Marcelo Gleiser, Lee Smolin, and Max Tegmark debate whether there are scientific and human limits on what can be ultimately known. Learn More

Astrophysicist and blogger Adam Frank, historian of science David Kaiser, and philosopher of physics Tim Maudlin share their thoughts on what contemporary physics can offer in the quest to understand our place in the universe. Learn More

Welcome to 'Toward a Science of Consciousness 2015'
the 21st annual international, interdisciplinary conference on the fundamental questions connected with conscious experience.

Toward a Science of Consciousness (TSC) is the largest and longest-running interdisciplinary conference emphasizing broad and rigorous approaches to the study of conscious awareness. Topical areas include neuroscience, philosophy, psychology, biology, quantum physics, meditation and altered states, machine consciousness, culture and experiential phenomenology. Cutting edge, controversial issues are emphasized. Held annually since 1994, the TSC conferences alternate yearly between Tucson, Arizona and various locations around the world. The University of Helsinki is proud to host TSC 2015 in the Great Hall of its neoclassical main building located in the downtown area.

The first conference was held in 1994 in Tucson and continues to be held in Tucson in even-numbered years, alternating with TSC conferences in collaboration with groups in various locations around the world: 1995–Ischia, Italy; 1997–Elsinore, Denmark; 1999–Tokyo, Japan; 2001–Skövde, Sweden; 2003–Prague, Czech Republic; 2005– Copenhagen, Denmark; 2007–Budapest, Hungary; 2009–Hong Kong, China; 2011– Stockholm, Sweden; 2013 Agra, India.

TSC conferences continue to bring together various fields approaching the issue of consciousness from different perspectives, orientations and methodologies. These include not only academic subjects within the social and natural sciences, medicine and humanities, but also contemplative and experiential traditions, arts and culture. TSC aims to integrate these disciplines, bridge gaps and pursue relevant details in the spirit of a genuine dialogue.

Important dates
June 2, 2014 Call For Papers, abstract submission opens
November 30, 2014 Deadline for abstract submissions
January 22, 2015 Conference registration opens
January 30, 2015 Notifications of acceptance
February 27, 2015 Preliminary programme announced
March 31, 2015 Deadline for early registrations
May 19, 2015 No more refunds for registration cancellations
June 9-13, 2015 TSC 2015, University of Helsinki

The 2015 IASD Annual International Conference will be held on Friday evening June 5 through Tuesday evening June 9, 2015. The venue is the beautiful Virginia Beach Resort Hotel on the shore at 2800 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA. with sweeping views of the Cape Henry Bay. (It should not be confused with the Virginia Beach Convention Center located on 19th St.)

The Dream Conference features world-renowned keynote speakers, over 140 presenters from around the globe, an opening reception, the Dream Art Exhibition and reception, a Dream Hike, the annual Dream Telepathy Contest, the ever popular costume Dream Ball and other fun special events appropriate to the beach-side location. Come meet and converse with your favorite authors and personalities as well as a multitude of kindred spirits interested in sharing the joy and benefits of understanding dreams and dreamworking.

The Program is multidisciplinary with a little something for everyone, professionals as well as those simply interested in dreams. It is organized in tracks for the best opportunity to participate in the discipline of interest to you and recordings will be available so that you can catch up on any lectures you may have missed. Sessions include: presentations; symposia; panels; workshops; special events; morning dream groups; and poster papers. Tracks include: Research and Theory; Arts and Humanities including Dream Theater; Education; Religion, Spirituality and Philosophy; Clinical Approaches; Dreamwork Practices; Mental Imagery; Dreams and Health; and Extraordinary, PSI and Lucid Dreams.

Science and Nonduality (SAND)Science and Nonduality provides a forum where preeminent scientists, philosophers, teachers, artists and a large, international community gather to explore and advance the new paradigm emerging in spirituality, that is both grounded in cutting-edge science and consistent with the ancient wisdom of nonduality — the deep understanding of the interconnectedness of life.

Ultimately, SAND is a playground where we come together to explore and share insights or simply reflect on what is emerging in consciousness. Knowing defines life, not-knowing reminds us of the mystery and perfection of each and every moment. At SAND, we invite you to stop resisting what is happening right now and surrender to the not-knowingness. Let life and this amazing mystery unfold!

On these pages you will encounter a playful, intellectual, and yet heart-centered community. It is a platform where we explore big questions with curiosity and lightness. Where we share our insights with openness and meet one another beyond concepts, in the silence of this moment.

Your presence here on our SAND platform is an honor and a joy for us. We hope you will find something in our offerings that will inspire you.

An Afterlife Convention: A Convergence of Noted Organizations Dedicated to The Investigation of Life Beyond Physical LifeNov 5th, 2014 4:00 PM to Nov 11th, 2014 10:00 AM, in Durham NC

The Eighth Annual Afterlife Conference is a two day conference held on November 8-9, 2014. You’ll hear featured speakers representing research from Rhine Research Center, Division of Perceptual Studies/University of Virginia, Windbridge Institute for Applied Research in Human Potential, British Society for Psychical Research, Parapsychological Association, & Parapsychology FoundationOur List of Esteemed Presenters and Presentations

On November 1st and 2nd, 2014 an international group of scientists and scholars will present a variety of papers and posters on the interface between parapsychology and psychology. Presenters will cover such topics as altered states of consciousness, personality and cognitive variables, and clinical issues. Posters will also deal with anomalistic psychology, dream variables, and history of the often complex relationship of these two fields, among other topics. Presenters and Poster authors are academics, scientists and professors from the Instituto de Psicología Paranormal in Argentina, the University of São Paulo in Brazil, the University of Northampton in England, the Centre Hospitalier Régional de Metz-Thionville in France, the Institut für Grenzegebiete der Psychologie und Psychohygiene in Germany, the University of Padova in Italy, and the University of West Georgia in the United States, among other locations. Three to four synchronous lectures will be presented in the WizIQ.com Virtual Classroom on each of the two conference days, and 9 or more Poster presentations will be uploaded as tutorials to the WizIQ Coursefeed. Registration is $50 for non-students and $30 for students with a proof of studentship. Scholarships are also available.

Once registered you will receive an invitation to the Conference area. Once there you will have access to the discussion area, the live lectures, and the posters, as well as the recordings of the live lectures if you can’t attend them in real-time. Conference materials, the live lectures, the lecture recordings, the tutorials and discussions will be exclusive to the registered conference attendees for at least six months, after which the materials will still be available to attendees but the lecture recordings will be posted to our YouTube channel, Parapsychology Online.

On November 1st and 2nd, 2014 an international group of scientists and scholars will present a variety of papers and posters on the interface between parapsychology and psychology. Presenters will cover such topics as altered states of consciousness, personality and cognitive variables, and clinical issues. Posters will also deal with anomalistic psychology, dream variables, and history of the often complex relationship of these two fields, among other topics. Presenters and Poster authors are academics, scientists and professors from the Instituto de Psicología Paranormal in Argentina, the University of São Paulo in Brazil, the University of Northampton in England, the Centre Hospitalier Régional de Metz-Thionville in France, the Institut für Grenzegebiete der Psychologie und Psychohygiene in Germany, the University of Padova in Italy, and the University of West Georgia in the United States, among other locations. Three to four synchronous lectures will be presented in the WizIQ.com Virtual Classroom on each of the two conference days, and 9 or more Poster presentations will be uploaded as tutorials to the WizIQ Coursefeed. Registration is $50 for non-students and $30 for students with a proof of studentship. Scholarships are also available.

Once registered you will receive an invitation to the Conference area. Once there you will have access to the discussion area, the live lectures, and the posters, as well as the recordings of the live lectures if you can’t attend them in real-time. Conference materials, the live lectures, the lecture recordings, the tutorials and discussions will be exclusive to the registered conference attendees for at least six months, after which the materials will still be available to attendees but the lecture recordings will be posted to our YouTube channel, Parapsychology Online.

Remember that all the live presentations will be recorded, so if you want to attend the conference but the presentations don’t fit your schedule, starting on the 3rd of November (and possibly a little before), the recordings of the live presentations will be available.

Remember that all the live presentations will be recorded, so if you want to attend the conference but the presentations don’t fit your schedule, starting on the 3rd of November (and possibly a little before), the recordings of the live presentations will be available.

We are currently developing a free online course on the WizIQ.com social media teaching platform called Parapsychology and Anomalistic Psychology: Research and Education. The course begins January 5th, 2015, and will include around 20 presentations over a five week period. There will be quizzes and activities, readings and stand-alone poster presentations, and ways to earn a certificate. You can go now to the WizIQ system by clicking the link above, set up a free account, and search for “Parapsychology” in courses and you’ll find it. If you enroll now, you can watch the course being built out and begin to talk to like-minded people from all over the world as they sign up. (A tutorial on how to set up a WizIQ account is available on our YouTube Channel, also called Parapsychology Online.)

Note: This webinar will be Sunday February 1 at 11 AM Pacific Standard Time, which is 8 PM in the Netherlands (Central European Time) .

Julia Mossbridge PhD, from Northwestern University (Illinois, USA), uses computational, behavioral, and physiological techniques to examine how humans integrate what we experience over time into a so-called “stream” of consciousness. Her interest in this topic has led her to examine aspects of both cognitive and perceptual timing as well as the more controversial reverse-temporal effects she analyzed in her recent meta-analysis (covered in ABC News 20/20, Wall Street Journal Ideas Market, Fox News, and other mainstream media outlets).

Dr. Mossbridge has received post-doctoral funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Bial Foundation, and the Monroe Institute. Julia's Ph.D. in Communication Sciences and Disorders is from Northwestern University, her M.A. in Neuroscience is from University of California at San Francisco, and she received her B.A. with highest honors in neuroscience from Oberlin College. In addition to continuing to pursue her research interests and inventing smartphone apps (www.choicecompass.com), she is currently working with philosopher Imants Baruss on a book taking a post-materialist approach to consciousness, entitled "Transcendent Mind: Re-thinking the Science of Consciousness." The book will be published by the American Psychological Association in 2016. Julia lives in Evanston, Illinois, USA, with her partner and son.

"We are offering a new private four-week course called Mind without a Body: Exploring Out-of-Body Experiences, that starts on Monday March 9th, 2015 on the WizIQ social media teaching platform and continues through Sunday April 5th, 2015.

Mind without a Body is an overview course that provides an introduction to the study of out-of-body experiences (OBEs). The emphasis is on the scientific study of OBEs and not on other important issues such as techniques to induce the OBE or the spiritual implications of the experience. The general topics discussed will be: Definitions, historical perspective, and approaches; research findings (OBE features and measurements related to psychology, psychophysiology and other areas, discussed over two weeks); and parapsychological aspects and explanations.

This online course consists of four live lectures and other meetings in the Virtual Classroom on WizIQ as well as active discussion on the Course Feed. "

On Wednesday, May 20th, the Parapsychology Foundation will host its first-ever online forum covering recent advances in parapsychological research in the UK. Professor Chris Roe and Dr. Elizabeth Roxburgh are bringing their students to the Eileen J. Garrett Research Library for a week in May.

The forum will begin at Noon Eastern on the WizIQ social media teaching platform and will continue with presentations through 7pm Eastern. The forum is free and all presentations will be available on the WizIQ platform as recordings for all registrants. Here’s the line-up for the Forum:

The Forum will begin with an introduction from Lisette Coly, and Dr. Carlos S. Alvarado, a Research Fellow at the Foundation.

Professor Chris Roe is the PF Affiliate from England, Research Leader for the Psychology Division and Director of the Centre for the Study of Anomalous Psychological Processes, at the University of Northampton, and the first person from the UK to receive the Parapsychological Association’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Parapsychology (2014). Professor Roe will present “Psi as Unconscious: A Review of Some Recent Developments in Parapsychology.”

David Saunders, a doctoral candidate at the University of Northampton, will present “To sleep perchance to dream... of the dead: Do dreamed encounters with the dead provide any support for the survival hypothesis?”

Cal Cooper, a lecturer and researcher at the University of Northampton will present, “The Role of Anomalous Experiences in Bereavement.”

Rachel Evenden, a research assistant at University of Northampton and a certified Integrative Counselor will give a talk called “A counseling approach to mediumship: Adaptive outcomes to grief following an exceptional experience.”

Dr. Elizabeth Roxburgh, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Northampton and a BACP registered Counselor, will present “What is ‘Clinical Parapsychology?’ An Overview of Anomalous Experience and Mental Health.”

To register for the free online sessions, “Parapsychology Foundation Forum: Recent Advances in UK Parapsychology,” click here to set up your free account on WizIQ and then click here to enroll. Feel free to pass on the course link! Everybody is welcome!

The Consciousness & Transformative Studies Program in partnership with the Visionaries at Work Student Group invite you to join us for an online presentation of the Dialogues in Consciiousness series on Pop Culture Consciousness.

Our concepts of what consciousness is, or at least might be, have been clearly influenced by philosophy and science. But there's a more subtle and pervasive influence on our perceptions and beliefs about consciousness, spirit, mind, extraordinary experiences, and abilities/qualities of consciousness we call "psychic:" literature we read, media -- both entertainment and news -- and more generally, popular cultural lore.

In this presentation, Loyd Auerbach will provide us with a look at a range of sources of influence on our ideas of Consciousness and related areas, with some insights from his own particular lifelong addictions (and experience): movies, TV, science fiction and comic books."

"At the Final Transition Conference you can be part of a dogma free discussion about death and all of its challenges and mysteries. Whether you are a healthcare professional, in a complementary health profession, a caregiver or an individual who just wants to ask questions, The Final Transition Conference is something for you to consider.

Betsy MacGregor, MD – is a physician who reflects on living, healing and dying amidst the challenging world of hospitals and hospices, the medical professionals who work in them, and the ever present mystery of life and death.

Barbara Dossey, RN, PhD – is a pioneer in the holistic nursing movement.

Pim van Lommel, MD – has lectured all over the world on near-death experiences and the relationship between consciousness and brain function.

Larry Dossey, MD – is an internationally influential advocate of the role of the mind in health and the role of spirituality in healthcare.

Peter Fenwick, MD – with his wife Elizabeth, has authored The Art of Dying, a study of the spiritual need of near-death patients.

Julie Beischel, PhD – her work explores the relationship between grief and spontaneous, induced, and assisted after-death communication experiences.

Jim Tucker, MD – works with children who report memories of previous lives.

Marilyn Schlitz, PhD – is a social anthropologist, researcher, writer and public speaker, Senior Fellow at the Institute of Noetic Sciences. She has recently produced a feature film Death Makes Life Possible with Deepak Chopra. The film will be shown at the Conference.

Join us Friday, Saturday and Sunday, September 11, 12 and 13 at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona.

Please note that a registration form, and hotel booking information, will be available soon on this site. Until then, please use the Contact page if you wish to find out more information about the conference."